Global 411: Newspapers

It's a sad sight in this tanking economy that we witness the disappearance of Newspapers. There is something comforting, satisfying and oddly nostalgic about getting your coffee on the weekends and diving into that Sunday issue of The New York Times or Saturday's Globe & Mail. With the death of the printed word, comes the birth of the online version, while helpful, is lacking that certain something. That said, it is certainly useful when you're on the road or without time, and the articles are exponentially better then the sensationalizing TV media geared for the attention deficit. Get reading: www.theglobeandmail.com, nytimes.com, latimes.com, sfgate.com,guardian.co.uk

(And if you need a laugh, hit up Leah McLaren's column. Love it!)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinions/columnists/Leah+McLaren.html

Music: Frank Sinatra

...because everyone needs a little more Frank in their life ;)

Global 411: Hans Rosling's Gapminder

This is actually quite fascinating...you've never seen Global statistics presented like this. The brilliant Hans Rosling, a Swedish Physician & Professor, has spent a significant amount of time studying global development (social & economic) in Africa and beyond. In collaboration with the UN, Rosling has created the Gapminder system of gathering more detailed statistics on our world development over the last 50 years. The results may just surprise you, especially as the West is no longer so far removed from the rest. There notion of "us and them" is an outdated myth. Check it out:
www.gapminder.org
www.roslingsblogger.blogspot.com

Music: Little Dragon

Little Dragon was bound to get a mention on here eventually, as my friend R has been raving about them! This is a very eclectic, electronic (try saying that three times!) band consisting of Swedish-Japanese artists, that also have the ability to produce a soulful sound. Their debut self-titled album was released in 2007, and still remains their only one to date. They have mainly been touring in Europe, and so, like most things cool & interesting, have taken awhile to reach our shores. Visit them at www.myspace.com/yourlittledragon & have a listen here:

Documentary: Valentino & Lagerfeld

First Karl Lagerfeld, now Valentino! Documentaries on these fantastically creative designers are necessary as both are entering the last phase in their spectacular careers, and their respective contributions to Fashion is simply immeasurable. They are both fascinating characters to watch, sometimes charming, sometimes bitchy but always entertaining. While Karl's film "Lagerfeld Confidential" was released in 2007, Valentino's work, "Valentino: The Last Emperor", has currently been released in selected cities in the U.S. So if you love fashion as much as I do, or are interested in the workings of two creative geniuses, try to check them out. (And kudos to the filmmakers, because this could not have been an easy job :)

"Valentino: The Last Emperor": valentino.com


"Lagerfeld Confidential": karllagerfeld.com, Chanel.com, Fendi.com

Music: Bossa Nova

With summer right around the corner, a new soundtrack is definitely in order, preferably one that reminds you of relaxing on a beach somewhere with a cocktail in hand. The relaxed sounds of Bossa Nova are a perfect addition to your itunes library, and what could be better than a bunch of songs you already know re-recorded in this genre? A couple of years ago, a friend introduced me to Nouvelle Vague who specialize in making some of the coolest 80's covers you've ever heard, such as Modern English's "I melt with you" and Joy Division's "love will tear us apart". Of course, since then I have discovered the Bossa compilations of Rolling Stones, Guns'n'Roses and Bob Marley covers as well! Bossa'n'Stones, Bossa'n'Roses, Bossa'n'Marley are available online on itunes & amazon. For more on Nouvelle Vague: www.nouvellesvagues.com, www.myspace.com/nouvellevague

This is not the best example of their sound, so do check out their website. But this is still a cute video of Nouvelle Vague covering Billy Idol's "Dancing with Myself":

Events: Opera

If you are looking to bring some artistry into your life in a different capacity, this may be perfect! The famed New York Metropolitan Opera has figured out a new way to reach the masses by projecting live Opera performances onto your local movie screens. A brilliant idea, they involve venues all over the world, so check their site for theaters and show times in your area.

www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/broadcast/hd_events_next.aspx

TV Movies: Grey Gardens

You have probably been subjected to HBO's promotion of its newest film, "Grey Gardens" starring Drew Barrymore & Jessica Lange airing April 18th. What you may not be aware of is the incredible real life story behind it, as was originally captured in a 1974 documentary that became a cult sensation. Based on the bizarre lives of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis' Aunt and first cousin, Edith "Big Edie" Ewing Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale lived together at Grey Gardens (East Hampton, NY) in squalor and almost total isolation. This one promises to be interesting...www.hbo.com/films/greygardens

Music: Sam Cooke

Perhaps one of the greatest singers of all time, and a pioneer and founder of soul music, Sam Cooke gave us the classic songs "You Send Me", "A Change Is Gonna Come", "Chain Gang", "Wonderful World", and "Bring It on Home to Me". You have no doubt heard his work sampled by other artists, or on many a soundtrack, in particular the movies of Spike Lee or the famous cafeteria scene in Animal House. Unfortunately he left us much too soon (1931-1964) but his music will live on forever, as it continues to influence countless other musicians. You'd be doing yourself a service in picking up one of his compilations. www.samcooke.com

Music: Cuba

I am re-posting a video I shot (on my little digital camera!) & cut together from our trip to Cuba, where we were documenting musicians. A fabulous place with lovely people, hopefully this snippet will give you a little feel for the sounds of Cuba! We can't wait to go back soon.

Music: The Black Ghosts

Often there are albums that lack the substance to carry a listener through to the end, but surprise you with a gem amongst its tracks. Case in point is the haunting song "full moon" by the Black Ghosts, which will no doubt stick in your memory long after hearing it. The UK artists consist of two former members of the Wiseguys and Simian, two other electro pop bands. I say, skip the 2008 album, but nonetheless, enjoy the track:

Movies: La Dolce Vita

If you have never seen Frederico Fellini's Italian masterpiece "La Dolce Vita", this is the time. This year the movie celebrates its 50th anniversary and it is being re-released on big screens all across the world. It's beautiful, weird and wonderful at the same time - filled with iconic images. So do yourself a favor, grab a bottle of Chianti and make a night of it. (And while you're at it, rent Fellini's "8 1/2" and "Amarcord" as well.)